Ishan Kishan Eyes India Test Squad Comeback With Domestic Cricket Return

Ishan Kishan has been appointed captain of Jharkhand for the Buchi Babu Tournament, starting in Tamil Nadu on August 15. This marks his return to domestic cricket and sets up a competition for spots in the Indian Test squad ahead of the Bangladesh series.

His return to domestic cricket follows advice from well-wishers and national selectors. The 26-year-old wicketkeeper-batter had lost his BCCI central contract due to reluctance to play domestic matches despite repeated directives from the BCCI and Indian team management.

Ishan Kishan's participation in domestic cricket could pave the way for his return to the Indian team. With India scheduled to play 10 Test matches over the next five months, selectors will welcome an additional option for the wicketkeeper-batter role.

Rishabh Pant is fit and eager for a Test comeback. KL Rahul, sidelined by injury during the England Test series, also aims for a recall. Dhurv Jurel, who capitalised on Rahul's absence, hopes for another chance.

A JSCA functionary told ESPNcricinfo, "With Ishan, it was never about ability. It was only about whether he was ready to return. The decision was with him. When he was not included in the initial list, it was only because we hadn't heard from him. The moment he expressed his keenness to return, he was drafted in."

Ishan Kishan made his Test debut in West Indies in July 2023, scoring 78 runs across three innings, including a fifty. His last appearance for India was in October 2023 during a T20I series against South Africa where Jitesh Sharma played ahead of him.

He featured in India's Asia Cup 2023 and World Cup 2023 squads but played only a few matches. Despite a notable performance against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, KL Rahul replaced him in subsequent games. In the World Cup, Shubman Gill took his spot after the first two matches.

Upcoming Domestic Season

After being out of action for over nine months, Ishan Kishan is set to participate in the upcoming domestic season starting with Duleep Trophy first-class matches in September. He has been named among the 25 pre-season probables by the Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA).

Ishan Kishan will join Jharkhand's team on August 14 as he aims to secure a spot in India's squad ahead of their home Test and T20I series against Bangladesh scheduled for September-October.